Is It Common to Use Local Anesthesia for Brachioplasty Revision?

I had a Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) done in early 2009. The surgeon and I agreed a revision would be a good idea to remove the remaining excess hanging skin. He has suggested doing this in his office with local anesthesia...I will be awake. Yikes..

Is it routine to do such a procedure in an office (not a surgery center) with only a local? I think if I see him cutting my arm flesh off I'll pass out! Has anyone removed excess skin all the way along the length of both arms in an office with just a local? Thanks for your input!

Doctor Answers 29

The Choice of Anesthesia Depends on the Situation

April 9th, 2014

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Brachioplasty
patients may occasionally require revisional surgery. Revisional surgery may be
necessary for a wide variety of reasons. In some cases, the problem may be
minor, while in other cases, it may be major.

The
choice of anesthesia is dependent upon the nature of the deformity. In some
cases, where deformities are minor, local anesthesia is acceptable. In other
cases where major deformities are present, general anesthesia is probably more
appropriate.

The
choice of anesthetic is also dependent upon the patient’s preference, surgeon’s
preference and the patient’s overall health. It’s important that these issues
be discussed prior to surgery so the patient can have a comfortable experience.

Arm Lift Revision

September 26th, 2013

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Yes, I have. However, I counsel patients carefully prior to having them undergo any procedures under local that are more extensive because of the very concerns you’ve expressed. You may wish to rethink your decision even though it may have economic consequences. You will be a lot happier if you do this under anesthesia in a regular outpatient facility and your surgeon is perfectly capable of doing what he thinks you and he want, but it sounds like you have too many reservations to execute this procedure while you are fully awake under local anesthesia.

Arm lift revision

November 6th, 2011

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Many revisional surgeries can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. You can leave the office immediately after the procedure and will not have the cost and postop side effects of sedation. If you are placed properly on the OR tsbke, you will not see a thing. If you have anxiety about it, your doctor can provide oral medication, such as Xanax, to take the edge off. If you opt for anesthesia, you may have to incur additional costs so check with your plastic surgeon.

Arm Lift Pictures

Scar Revision Armlifting?

October 23rd, 2011

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Thank you for the question.

Unfortunately, the scars that result from arm lifting surgery may be problematic; scar revision surgery is often necessary. This procedure may be done under local or general anesthesia. This decision should be made mutually by patient and surgeon after discussion of the pros/cons of each type of anesthesia.

A revision brachioplasty can be performed under local anesthesia

March 7th, 2011

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A revision brachioplasty can surgely be performed under local anesthesia in an office. This can be a cost effective way to further improve the results. The trade off is that it will be less comfortable and may take longer versus performing this with sedation or general anesthesia as an outpatient.

If there is any doubt about you tolerating this approach including regarding the pain issue or anxiety, then elect to do the procedure either with the sedation or with general anesthesia - it will make your experience more pleasant though it will cost a bit more.

Brachioplasty(arm lift) revision anesthesia options

February 18th, 2011

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Local anesthesia can be a viable option for revision arm lift surgery. Revisions in an office setting can be very cost effective but there is some discomfort as a trade off. Often some oral sedation can make even a larger procedure under local anesthesia not only possible but a good option. Personally, I get a little faint when I get blood drawn so IV sedation in an approved facility looks better.

Local anestesia is only advised for revisions if you are able to relax.

January 7th, 2011

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It is common to have revisional surgeries under local anestesia if you are able to handle it. It is easier for you and your surgeon if you are relaxed and not full of anxiety. You will be injected with numbing medication and should not feel much. Local also involved oral medication to help you relax. The injections may be the worst part. If you feel you may be a little anxious about it, schedule general or even a twilight procedure.

Brachioplasty revision can be done under local in an OR

November 2nd, 2010

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A brachioplasty scar can be reivsed under local in an office setting, however if you will require a more involved skin excision and or fat removal you will likely need to have this done in an operating room. This will help prevent infection and if you need more anesthesia, it can be done in a safer fashion this way.

Brachioplasty can be done in the office OR.

October 13th, 2010

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It is not unusual to perform scar revision surgery in the office operating room. In fact, many of us (including myself) do the actual brachioplasty surgery in the office operating room with relatively light sedation. I do not disagree with a general anesthesia and stil do this occasionally for patients who are not good candidates for a procedure without general anesthesia.

Understand, this is a AAAASF certified operating room and not just a minor procedure room. I have included a video for your reference.

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as
a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you
have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute
or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.